Here's a breakdown:
* Tectonic plates: The Earth's outer layer (the lithosphere) is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates.
* Divergent boundary: At a divergent boundary, the plates are pulling apart. This creates space that is filled by molten rock (magma) from the Earth's mantle.
* Horizontal movement: The plates move horizontally away from each other.
Key features of divergent plate boundaries:
* Mid-ocean ridges: Most divergent boundaries occur under the ocean. The rising magma creates new oceanic crust, forming a mid-ocean ridge.
* Rift valleys: Divergent boundaries on land can create rift valleys, where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart.
* Volcanoes and earthquakes: Both mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes.
Let me know if you have any other questions about plate tectonics!
